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Benin provisionally reverses ban on oil exports from Niger

Benin has provisionally reversed its choice to obstruct exports of crude oil from Niger through its port and consented to hold a conference between the two nations, the West African country's mines minister said on Wednesday.

Last week in an escalation of stress with its neighbour, Benin stated it had obstructed exports from landlocked Niger, requiring the junta-led country reopen its border to goods and normalise relations before crude deliveries can reboot.

We have chosen to authorize the loading of the very first vessel in our waters ... Nevertheless, it is very important to note that this permission is provisionary, minister Samou Seidou Adambi told press reporters after a meeting with Chinese partners.

Benin means to appreciate all the arrangements within the pipeline project, Adambi stated, adding that the nation prepared to hold a meeting to take a look at urgent matters associating with the proper conduct of the pipeline's export operations.

Relations in between Benin and Niger have been strained given that a. July 2023 coup in Niger led the West African local bloc. ECOWAS to impose strict sanctions for more than 6 months.

Trade flows in the area were anticipated to normalise after. the West African regional bloc lifted sanctions to deter. Niger from withdrawing from the political and economic union.

But Niger has kept its borders closed to items from Benin. and not officially informed Benin why it has actually done so, President. Patrice Talon said in a declaration recently.

Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said on. Saturday that Benin's blockade of Niger's oil exports broke. trade agreements between the 2 countries and with Niger's. Chinese partners.

He included that Niger could not completely reopen its border with. Benin for security reasons.

The almost 2,000 km

(source: Reuters)